As you go through your teenage years, you will have many decisions to make. Some of those decisions will be about your future and what you want to do with your life. In order to make good, responsible decisions, there are several things which can help you.

Options
In Year 9, you will be asked to make choices about what subjects you will study at GCSE. When choosing, it’s important to ask questions, do research and collect information to help make these decisions.

Careers
This decision-making process becomes even more important in Year 11, when you are asked to make further choices about what to do next. Most students will stay in education and there are many courses available. It may not be an easy decision to choose the ones that are right for you.

Options at 16+
1. Continue with full time education

• You may feel you would like to improve your exam results
  
  
• Take traditional AS and A-level courses, or the new AVCE levels
  
  
• Take a broad vocational course like a GNVQ
  
  
• Take a more specialised vocational course (usually a BTEC or NVQ)

2. Apply for a job or training

• Enter employment via a foundation course or Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, which will also provide training
  
  
• Become self employed
  
  
• Get an advertised job
  
  
• Do voluntary or community work to gain experience in an area that interests you

Use the activities to help you complete research and think about your future choices.